3 Best Sights in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Évora and the Alentejo

One of the longest beaches in the Vila Nova de Milfontes area, Malhão is popular with surfers, anglers, and a small colony of nudists on the beach's northern end. It's about 5 km (3 miles) north of Vila Nova de Milfontes, inside the coastal national park. The sheer size of these vast sand dunes ensures a sense that you have the place to yourself. Amenities: lifeguards. Best for: surfing.

The Praia Das Furnas lies just south of Vila Nova da Milfontes, on the south banks of the Mira River. The southeast current makes it popular with surfers, but the current is calm enough for children to swim here, too. Because it's across the river, the beach is quieter in the busy summer months. You're likely to see hikers, as the Rota Vicentina trail passes through here. You can take a ferry across the Mira River (€4 round-trip; departs hourly) from Vila Nova. If you drive, there's a parking lot and snack bar just behind the dunes. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking. Best for: surfing; swimming.

Only a five-minute walk from the center of Vila Nova de Milfontes, this is the closest beach to town, named for the lighthouse at the peninsula's tip. It tends to fill up quickly on weekends in summer and has a seasonal beach bar. The river and ocean currents mixing here can be strong during the winter months, so children should be closely supervised while swimming. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking. Best for: sunset.